Five Unconventional Ways To Anticipate Spring's Arrival

It's been a tough winter around these parts. Bitter cold. Ice storms. Wretched snow.

One of my esteemed Local Editor colleagues and I spoke at length Monday concerning warmer temperatures and the long anticipated arrival of spring.

We agreed anyone can list the tried, true -- and cliched -- ways to anticipate spring. Yes, baseball season's on the way, the first robin is heard singing and Daylight Savings Time is right around the corner.

We both decided not to go that route. Instead, we're going to dig deeper and find a few unconventional ways to anticipate spring's arrival.

1. The phone call from the . It's been a long winter for the r, unless he hitched a snow plow to his pickup truck. Spring is certainly looming when the phone call comes asking about what lawn services you'll require.

2. and potholes. Chances are your automobile will hit potholes caused by the road's freeze and subsequent thaw. You'll know spring in near when the car hits one and later reach into your wallet for and

3. Spring is definitely in the air when teachers and kids begin whining about the over scheduled holiday breaks and in June.

4. The Kentucky Derby prep races begin in earnest. I know most of you are saying 'huh, what's he talking about?' Twenty horses just don't show up by chance at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. They compete throughout the late winter and early spring for the chance to run for the roses.

5. In my case, Mom and Dad return home to the New Jersey shore following three months of golf in Hilton Head, S.C. That means a 2 1/2-hour visit to welcome them back -- along with a side trip to Atlantic City.